Abstract: To abstain from specific foods and observe food rituals are ways in which believers feed the body and soul (Abu Salem 2015). This article addresses experiences among Shia and Sunni Muslims in Rio de Janeiro and their food choices, contemplating the concepts of halal (licit) and haram (impure). Leaders have prescriptions to avoid impure food (pork and alcoholic beverages). Finding halal meat in Brazil is difficult: it presupposes a fairly specific slaughter; however, the country is a large exporter. Diasporic communities may opt to ressignify habits in favor of a minority religiosity, such as Islam in Brazil. Oftentimes, it is necessary to account for daily dilemmas, between individual desires and norms attached to the group, with both shared and particular symbolism.
Keywords:
Islam; halal; haram; food